Ro-Ko aim to shut out noise as India look to seal series in Raipur ODI

Despite the noise surrounding a reportedly strained dressing-room atmosphere, India will look to put distractions aside and bank on the irresistible touch ofVirat Kohli and the calming authority of Rohit Sharma as they chase a series-clinching victory against a gritty South Africa in the second ODI at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur on Wednesday.

- TRIDIB BAPARNASH

Kohli's record-extending 52nd ODI hundred and Rohit's brisk 57 had set the tone for India's 17-run win in the Ranchi opener, although the bowlers were pushed deep into the contest by a spirited South African counterattack.

With the 2027 ODI World Cup drawing closer, both veterans find themselves under scrutiny, not just for form and fitness, but also amid chatter of rising tensions with head coach Gautam Gambhir. Their equation has become a major talking point, and indications are that the BCCI may eventually intervene to ease the situation.

On the field, however, Kohli and Rohit have delivered when it has mattered. Their back-to-back impact performances, including the commanding nine-wicket win over Australia in Sydney in October, underline their determination to be part of India's long-term plans for the showpiece event in South Africa.

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar and Gambhir have remained guarded about the veterans' inclusion for the World Cup, a stance widely believed to be at the heart of the growing unease. But India's challenges extend beyond off-field narratives.